Man arrested after bullets fired into Warrnambool unit

A SUSPECT was in custody and expected to be charged on Friday night after two shots were fired into a unit in Wanstead Street, Warrnambool, sparking a police lockdown of the area.

Police said the shots, fired from a rifle about 5pm, appeared to have been triggered by a neighbourhood dispute between two local men aged in their 40s.

Detective Senior Constable Nick de Ridder, of the Warrnambool crime investigation unit, said one of the bullets damaged a door in the unit, prompting the frightened occupant to lock himself inside and call police.

In a bizarre twist to the episode, the alleged offender fired the shots 10 minutes apart while on foot, then left the area and returned about an hour later, when he was detained by police.

A search was under way last night for the weapon, with police still unsure what type of rifle was used. “We’ve spoken to the victim,” Detective Senior Constable de Ridder said.

“He was petrified. He locked himself in a toilet and rang police. There was only one occupant in the unit.

“There are ongoing issues between the two, from what I’m led to believe.”

Detective Senior Constable de Ridder said crimes involving firearms were uncommon in Warrnambool.

“It’s always troubling when people are letting off firearms in public places,” he said.

Police locked down the area in the aftermath of the shooting, with about six officers involved blocking off sections of Wanstead Street and Glenrowe Avenue.

Witness statements were also taken. Detective Senior Constable de Ridder said most people in the area were co-operative.

Wanstead Street was expected to be re-opened to traffic late Friday night.